Various dangers on the trail pose risks for your dogs wellbeing. Educating yourself can greatly reduce the risk of injury or illness to your dog, yourself, and others.
A visit or phone call to your veterinarian is a great place to begin. Be sure to let them know the location/area you are going. They can help you decide if any preventative medications or vaccinations will be beneficial to your pup.
Your dog's stamina may need to be increased before your trip. You should prepare them for the trail as you'd prepare yourself. Start with a hike a little longer than your dog is used to. Pay attention to their energy and actions afterwards. Are they much sleepier than normal? Shoot for a little less trail time on the next try. On the other hand, if they still have lots of energy, gradually increase hike times until you meet or exceed the expected trail time for your trip.
Just as you need extra fuel and hydration while hiking, your dog does too. So how do you know how much they'll need?
A good rule of thumb is to start with your dogs normal amount of food and add 1 cup for every 20 pounds of their bodyweight. For example, a 40 pound dog who normally eats 4 cups a day would need: Normal 4 cups + 2 extra cups of food for each day.
Your dogs water needs may vary depending on breed, climate, or how strenuous your trail is. Expect your large dog to drink AT LEAST 0.5 ounce to 1 ounce per pound of bodyweight per day. A small dog (20 pounds or less) will need AT LEAST 1.5 ounces per pound per day.
Talk with your veterinarian to be sure of your dogs individual food and water needs.
Overexertion
Your dog is just as excited as you to be on this journey. THey should be watched for signs that they are overexerting themselves. During rest breaks, watch your dogs breathing. If it seems like it's taking longer than normal to return to normal, try taking more frequent breaks or stopping for the night.
Animals can be a danger for a curious dog. A wild animal's bite or scratch opens up the door for infections and diseases, including rabies.
A leash is your best defense against wildlife encounters.
Dangerous vegetation will vary depending on the location and climate of your trail. Be sure to research the area to learn about what plants exist there and which are dangerous for your dog.
Thorns and burrs are found nationwide. They are irritating to your dog, can mat fur, and can be painful as well. Poison Oak/Ivy/Sumac can affect them the same as it does a human. Be on the lookout and do your best to keep your dog from exploring or relieving themselves near them.
Foxtails. Found mostly in the western states, these grass like weeds can spell disaster for you dog. It's barbed seeds can be breathed in or penetrate your dogs skin and migrate virtually anywhere in their body. These seeds do not break down inside the body and can enter into your dogs organs and cause serious infection or death. Removing them quickly can help prevent the worst. Check your dog nightly, or more often , with a flashlight. They can be hard to see in your dogs fur. Be sure to check their paws, in between the pads, and in their ears/nose/mouth. Remove foxtail seeds with tweezers.
You can read more about Foxtails here
Your dog is just as excited as you to be on this journey. They should be watched for signs that they are overexerting themselves. During rest breaks, watch your dogs breathing. If it seems like it's taking longer than normal to return to normal, try taking more frequent breaks or stopping for the night.
Watch your pup for signs they are uncomfortably warm. Laying in the shade more often, excessive panting, and/or not wanting to continue on are signs you should offer water and take a break. Using a cooling collar can help your dog stay cool in or out of shade.
If you plan on using water from natural sources for consumtion, swimming, or if you'll be making a watr crossing,a few precautions can help keep you and your dog safe.
Consider a doggy pack with a top handle to help keep them close during crossings. (Also helpful for encounters on the trail!) You can make watercrossings and swimming safer by having your dog wear a personal floatation device (PFD) , especially if they are not a great swimmer.
Do not allow your dog to attempt to cross very deep or fast moving water on their own. Carrying your dog instead of letting them swim significantly reduces the risk of injury or drowning.
Leptospirosis. Your dog is more susceptible to leptospirosis than you are. It is found in the urine of infected animals and can live in soil and stagnant water for long periods of time. There is a vaccine for Leptospirosis. Talk with your veterinarian to find out if the vaccine is right for your dog.
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